Alfresco fun . . . on gulets with extra deck space
THERE is nothing more cheering than a holiday to look forward to, and cruising is a great way to dip in to different destinations, whether on your own or with friends and family. Here are some of the best cruises on offer to book now.
SINGLES get extra deck space to dine alfresco and sunbathe on traditional Turkish gulets - crewed sailing boats – with a maximum of eight passengers, each with their own cabin. Friendship Travel (friendshiptravel.com), favoured by over-40s, has sevennight holidays sailing to tucked-away coves for swimming and snorkelling in the Aegean from Fethiye and Bodrum in May, June and September, from £1,070pp including Gatwick flights.
If you are looking for a great-value getaway with children in tow, MSC Cruises (msccruises.co.uk) lets children under 17 sail free if they share their parents’ or grandparents’ cabin, from Southampton aboard MSC Magnifica, which is packed with sports facilities, a 4D cinema and kids’ clubs.
A 12-night cruise to the Canary Islands departing May 16 costs from £1,099 per adult, and a week’s cruise to the midnight-sun-kissed Norwegian fjords on June 19 is from £739 per adult.
APT (aptouring.com) is celebrating the launch of its new Travelmarvel contemporary river ship with a private performance by former chart-topping soprano and TV presenter Aled Jones – and a saving of £500pp.
Aled will be aboard the seven-night Legends Of The Rhine And Moselle cruise sailing from Amsterdam to Basel on June 11, and guests will receive a signed copy of his new album as a souvenir.
Other highlights are a tour of Cochem Castle, a walk in the Black Forest and free time in Strasbourg. Fares, from £1,745pp (down from £2,245pp), include return travel by air or via Eurostar, excursions such as walking tours, and drinks with meals.
Book now to bask on your balcony as you sail to the Mediterranean next autumn – for the price you’d normally pay for a cabin without a porthole.
Princess Cruises (princess.com) is offering free upgrades on a two-week, no-fly cruise from Southampton aboard Sky Princess on October 22 with fares from £999pp. Ports of call include, Cadiz, Barcelona, Marseilles, Livorno (for excursions to Florence) and Alghero in Sardinia.